ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -This form was later classed “old comedy” but is now known as restoration comedy because it coincided with Charles II’s return to England. The main goal of these comedies of manners was to mock or scrutinize society. This allowed the audience to laugh at themselves and society.

Detailed explanation-2: -The Restoration plays that followed often rebelled against the puritanical standards, featuring lavish design and risqué humour. Famous comedies from the era include William Wycherley’s The Country Wife (1675), Aphra Behn’s The Rover (1677) and George Farquhar’s The Recruiting Officer (1706).

Detailed explanation-3: -During the time of the Restoration, 18th century drama was very critical. Much of the Elizabethan Play writers blended tragedy and comedy, whereas the Restoration dramatists chose to separate the two (Nettleton). The drama of this period can be broken into two categories, comedies and tragedies.

Detailed explanation-4: -"Restoration comedy” is English comedy written and performed in the Restoration period of 1660–1710. Comedy of manners is used as a synonym for this. After public stage performances were banned for 18 years by the Puritan regime, reopening of the theatres in 1660 marked a renaissance of English drama.